Politics of Idiocracy

Politics of Idiocracy archives journalistic photographs that are ruled an idiotic moment by the judgment of the internet in the careers of different politicians and public figures around the world. The archive investigates meme culture. It explores how a photograph transforms into a meme, and how the internet decides which image and which political figure is deemed “memeable”. The long-term project captures these idiotic moments. The memes have one thing in common: an idiotic moment captured by the camera. The memes reflect a moment when these people (constantly monitored by the press) finally break the surface and present the idiot within. Politics of Idiocracy seeks to mirror human fallibility. Additionally, the project battles patriarchy by zooming in on fragile masculinity.

This project is due to be exhibited in the project space of Het Wilde Weten artist-run space between 1 May and 15 June 2025. Politics of Idiocracy consists of three elements. First is a painting series of 120x120 cm painted on wooden panels. These paintings are unfinished and therefore, not available on this page. It is expected to have 10 paintings by the time the exhibition is on display.

The second element is the archive. The archive investigates meme culture and how a photograph transforms into a meme by studying the dynamics of the internet's collective wisdom in deciding which image and which political figure is deemed “memeable”. The archive entries provide background information and a description of the situation in which the photograph has been captured. The entries also refer to the process and the stories behind the birth of the memes. The archive acts as the backbone of the project since the paintings and the discussion around the project are formed around these entries.

The archive can be found here @politicsofidiocracy

The third element is the podcast. These are conversations held between Pendar Nabipour and the invited guests. Discussions are formed around subjects such as digital culture, meme history, photojournalism, sociology, politics, specific stories behind certain memes, and more.

Independent representation: “Part of this focus on representation for me has been to challenge the idea of representation for the visual artists. Through independent representation and working with artist-run spaces, I am trying to push the limits of the art scene and the market apparatus.”
Therefore, Pendar has created a crowdfunding campaign on Voordekunst.nl

Read more about the campaign here

For more information and a full list of events, please see the press release below:

Press Release - EN
Press Release - NL

Dates and events:

Het Wilde Weten, Rotterdam | Thursday, May 1 – Sunday, June 15, 2025

What happens when political power meets digital culture? When history is recorded not in textbooks but in memes? Politics of Idiocracy, the latest project by Rotterdam-based artist Pendar Nabipour, transforms iconic political bloopers into paintings, questioning how absurdity, media, and collective memory shape today’s leadership.

Hosted at Het Wilde Weten, an artist-run space known for fostering critical and experimental practices, this six-week exhibition and residency explores art, journalism, and satire. Through painting, public discussions, and an ongoing archive, Politics of Idiocracy invites audiences to reflect on the fragility of those in power, human vulnerabilities, the viral nature of political moments, and the role of humor in public discourse.

May 1 – May 29: Open studio Residency & public discussions

The project space at Het Wilde Weten will serve as a working studio, where Pendar will be present daily, completing the final touches on the paintings. Visitors are welcome to observe the process and engage in informal discussions.

Additionally, four public discussion events will be held every Friday (May 2, 9, 16, and 23) from 17:00 to 20:00, featuring guest speakers and interactive discussions on themes such as:

Friday, May 2: Digital culture and the role of memes in shaping political narratives
Friday, May 9: Journalism, representation, and the tension between truth and satire
Friday, May 16: The future of democracy in an era of spectacle and viral media
Friday, May 23: Human vulnerability, power, and the absurdity of leadership

These events are free to attend with registration via this Google form

May 30 – June 15: Exhibition & Special Events

Opening Night | Friday May 30 | 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM

The exhibition officially opens with a presentation of 10 large-scale paintings (120x120 cm), each based on journalistic images turned into viral political memes. The exhibition also presents audio recordings of the already recorded podcast sessions with experts, and public discussion sessions.

Exhibition Hours:

Monday, June 2 – Sunday, June 15 – Open daily from 16:00 – 20:00
The exhibition visit hours for 6 and 13 of June are from 16:00 to 17:30
Visits outside these hours are available by appointment via this Google form

Media & Politics Event | Friday 6 June | 17:00 – 20:30

A discussion event with an artist talk, guest speaker and a Q&A session with guests and participants working in media and politics. During this event we will have a professional discussion about the impact of the two industries in the real world and on the lives of the public. Register via this Google form to stay up to date with the details of the event and the names of the speakers.

Exclusive Auction & 10-Course Dinner | Friday, June 13 | 18:00 – 22:00

On Friday, June 13, an invitation-only auction event will offer collectors a unique opportunity to acquire Nabipour’s original paintings. The evening includes a 10-course dinner (for 10 paintings), where the artist will provide insights into each artwork’s background, themes, and historical references. The 10-course dinner will be prepared and presented by Atelier Consommé.

Guests must register and purchase a ticket in advance through this Google form.